Universal mounting track

ABSTRACT

A rigid, one piece mounting track with mounting and suspension slots for carrying multiple functional and decorative hangings simultaneously. The track has generally U-shaped construction with two vertical legs joined by a horizontal member. An elongated dowel holder forms the joint between one leg and the horizontal member. The other leg has inner and outer elongated slots for carrying mounting slides. The inner surface of the horizontal is also provided with a mounting slot for additional hangings.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a multi-functional, multi-positional mountingtrack which will accommodate a wide variety of devices that in turn,carry decorative and functional hangings including draperies,tapestries, blinds, curtains, sheers, shades and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As long there have been windows and walls there has been a desire andneed for coverings which are either decorative or functional or both.For windows, a covering is usually very desirable and items such asroll-up shades, venetian blinds, vertical blinds, draperies, or sheersare often employed. Various means have been employed to suspend thesewindow coverings and they range from simple bearing like holders forroll-up shades to elaborate mechanisms for carrying layers of drawdrapes. Unfortunately, many of these “prior art” hangers are flimsy innature and serve only a single purpose. Accordingly, it is one object ofthe present invention to provide a means of supporting and carryingwindow coverings and window treatments which can be permanent, providesecure support for heavy covering items, withstand long term wear andtear, and be adaptable for many types of hangers and support devices.

In addition to treatment for windows, it is often desirable to hangtapestries or other decorative items from a wall and provide layeredhangings for interesting effects. For example, lighting in connectionwith such wall treatments is often used. Accordingly, it is anotherobject of the present invention to provide a mounting track that can notonly be used for windows but can also be used for decorative andfunctional item on walls.

In the past there have been numerous designs for various hanging devicesto hold window and wall treatments but a number of these have beensingle function hangers or rods and some are provided with extensionpieces and connectors for additional hanging items. One such device isshown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,120,474 to A. Hurley for “Drapery SupportAssembly.” However, such assemblies as this require many parts anddifficult assembly and are of uncertain stability when installed becauseof the extensions and number of bolted together parts. Accordingly, itis another object of the present invention to provide a one piecemounting track that is secure and stable.

Another prior art device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,715,776 to M.Tanaka for a curtain box which apparently provides one track for hangingcurtains but the means for mounting appears complex and there is noprovision for covering or decorating the curtain box. Accordingly, it isanother object of the present invention to provide a mounting track thatcan be covered and substantially hidden from view but will performmultiple functions.

One means for decorating is to use a curtain or drape that has a loopedend so that a dowel can be inserted therein for hanging. One such deviceis shown in U.S. Design Pat. No. 165,937 to H.S. Rosenbaum entitled“Drapery Traverse Rod.” However, this type of traverse rod is capable ofhandling only one decorative hanging at a time. Another prior art devicewhich apparently is for hanging dowel supported draperies is U.S. DesignPat. No. 311,583 to Irving Shell and is entitled “Extrusion.” Thisextrusion has features that could be construed to be designed forcarrying dowels but the extrusion does not seem to provide for any othertype of hanging. Again, it is an object of the present invention toprovide not only a means for holding a dowel but means for holding otherdecorative hangings at the same time.

Still one more prior art design is U.S. Design Pat. No. 381,890 toIsrael Levy entitled “Blind Track.” Here again, while there appears tobe more than one track, it seems to be directed to adjustment fordifferent size blinds rather than providing for multiple hangings.Numerous other prior art devices can be discussed but none of them havethe combined advantages of my invention which are described below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

I have surprisingly combined and arranged in a unique fashion a mountingtrack that overcomes many of the drawbacks of prior art devices.Specifically, my invention is a universal mounting track for decorativeand functional hangings including draperies, tapestries, blinds, sheers,curtains and the like which comprises an elongated base member having agenerally U-Shaped cross-section that includes a horizontal connectorand two spaced apart legs vertically depending from the connectingmember. One of the legs is an inner leg having a smooth flat outersurface for contacting a support surface and; an elongated dowel holderis formed in the outer surface of the base and extends the length of thebase, the dowel holder forms the joint between the inner leg and thehorizontal connector and has an elongated opening for receiving a doweltherein. The opening faces generally away from the horizontal connectormember whereby when a dowel with fabric therearound is inserted in tothe holder, the fabric can extend out of and over the horizontalconnector while the dowel is retained by the holder. The other leg is anouter leg having at least one elongated slot formed in its surface forreceiving and holding one or more slidable mounting members therein thatcan suspend draperies, curtains, or the like. A unique feature of myinvention is that multiple hangings may be suspended in a functioningarray in just one track.

In one aspect, the foregoing described universal mounting track may be aone piece extruded construction. Particularly advantageous is aluminum,especially anodized aluminum. The one piece extruded constructionprovides a very stable mounting track.

The mounting track includes within the U-shaped base two elongated slotsfor receiving mounting elements or clips of the type well known in theart and available at most hardware stores, home supply stores, draperyshops and fabric stores. One of the slots is preferably in the outer leginner surface and the other slot is in the inner surface of thehorizontal connector. The slot in the horizontal connector is alsoprovided with a channel to provide extra depth for locking nut and boltextensions. The front surface or outer surface of the outer leg is alsoprovided with a slot for mounting. Counting the dowel as one hangingmeans, three additional hanging means are provided. Thus, decorativefabric supported by the dowel could cover and extend part of the waydown the front or outer surface of the universal track while draw drapescould be suspended from the outer leg outer slot and sheers from theinner slot of the outer leg while blinds are suspended from the slot inthe horizontal connector. The strength and stability of my track allowsall of these functions in one track for secure and reliable operation.

The universal track of the present invention can also be used indifferent positions and in one unique position the legs extend upwardlyand the track forms a tray for lighting. In addition, the track may besuspended from the ceiling or upper horizontal surface by mountingmembers through the horizontal connector. The rigidity, stability, andthe durability of the extruded one piece construction allows forversatility not available in prior art mounting tracks.

Still other decorative uses are possible with my mounting track. Avalance board may be suspended or positioned in the front or outer slotof the outer leg. My mounting track has sufficient strength to hold notonly a valance but additional heavy hangings such as weighted drapes orVenetian blinds and obviates the necessity for additional suspensionmeans with their required drilling and bolting or screwing into walls orwindow frames. My universal mounting track makes it possible to provideall of these functions with one single track which can be mounted in apermanent position without having to use additional tracks or hangers.This is of great advantage to not only homeowners, but those whodecorate offices, shops, hotels and other buildings. Further advantageswill be understood from the drawings and descriptions below.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings which are appended hereto and made a part of thespecification and disclosure:

FIG. 1 is an illustration in perspective of a typical room with windowsshowing the universal mounting track of the present invention installed;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing one end and partial length of themounting track;

FIG. 3 is a perspective cross-section showing the mounting track of thepresent invention mounted to a wall and carrying a drapery;

FIG. 4 is the frontal elevation view of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective cross-section view of the track of the presentinvention showing a drapery suspended from the mounting slot of thehorizontal connector;

FIG. 6 is the front view of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective cross-section of the universal track of thepresent invention showing a decorative material held by a dowelpositioned in the dowel holder of the present invention wherein thematerial extends over and covers the exposed surfaces of the universaltrack and the outer slot carries drapery material;

FIG. 8 is the front view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective cross-section showing the universal mountingtrack suspended from a ceiling or horizontal surface;

FIG. 10 is the front view and elevation of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows a cross-section view in perspective of the universalmounting track carrying a theater style curtain and illustrates thepulley and connector means for raising and lowering the curtain;

FIG. 12 is the front view of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 shows the pulley arrangement of FIG. 11 with the pulley turnedsideways to show the pull cord arranged therein;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the present invention showing a valance boardsuspended or carried thereby;

FIG. 15 shows an alternate mounting arrangement for the track of thepresent invention wherein one leg of the track rests on a ledge and aretainer secures the track in position;

FIG. 16 is a cross-section view of the present invention showing aroll-up shade carried by the track;

FIG. 17 shows an alternate method of mounting the track by using a dowellike member suspended from a retainer and being a means to suspend thetrack so that it can be removed easily;

FIG. 18 shows the track of the present invention with an extension armto provide additional and extended hanging means;

FIG. 19 shows the track of the present invention upside-down serving asa tray for lighting apparatus;

FIG. 20 illustrates the track of the present invention installed in avertical position;

FIG. 21 shows the universal track of the present invention andperspective cross-section of a venetian blind suspension member carriedthereby; and,

FIG. 22 is a front view of FIG. 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Looking first at FIG. 1, a typical room is shown with wall 72 and window71 therein. Above the window is the preferred position of installing theuniversal mounting track 1 of the present invention. End cap 24 closesthe ends of the track and as can be seen in this illustration the trackblends in and fills the space above the window and preferably is apermanent installation. In an alternate position, the track 1 can bemoved upwardly and positioned on or just below the molding 73 which runsbetween the wall 72 and ceiling 74. Thus, the track 1 can provide ameans of hanging decorative materials from the ceiling 74 to the floor75. The track can also extend the entire length of the wall and beintegrated in with the appearance of molding so that the option isalways available to hang not only draperies, curtains, and tapestries,but also install and suspend other decorative treatments such as murals,stained glass or framed pictures. These options are always availableonce my mounting track has been installed.

For example, a mounting screw orifice 10 (FIG. 2) may be provided at thelatch end. The securing screw can then be removed so that the hingedtrack can swing outwardly. The purpose for a hinge mount is to provide away to remove or insert a long dowel when the track has been mounted sothat there are walls or other obstructions close to both ends of thetrack preventing insertion of a dowel.

An alternate mounting means and method is to hingedly mount the track 1at point H and provide a releasable latch at point L. The hinge ispreferably a typical door or cabinet door hinge as is well known and canbe installed with the hinge pin vertically positional at the edge of thetrack 1 at point H with one hinge flange mounted to the wall and theother to track leg 4. A locking or securing latch or screw at L ispreferred.

Turning now to FIG. 2 the preferred embodiment of my invention is shownin a detailed perspective illustration. The universal mounting track 1is shown with the generally U-shaped base frame 2 having spaced apartlegs 3 and 4 depending therefrom. Vertical leg 4 is also designated asthe inner leg as it is the leg which when the mounting track 1 isinstalled on a wall will be against the wall so that vertical leg 4 hasa smooth outer surface which is a contact surface. The joint betweenvertical leg 4 and horizontal connector 6 is formed by dowel holder 5which comprises the retainer lip 5 a and the dowel holder opening 5 b.The dowel opening 5 b allows the insertion and removal of a dowel andthe lip 5 a is the retainer lip so that when the dowel is inserted inits material suspending position the material will be looped back overthe dowel lip which will retain the dowel in its position. Thus, theopening 5 b being faced away from the way in which the material will befolded provides a secure means of retaining the dowel and attractivelycovers the universal track.

The horizontal connector 6 which is the top of the U-shaped base frame 2from which legs 3 and 4 depend has slot 7 formed therein. Slot 7 whichis the connector slot or first longitudinal slot. Within the slot 7,within the slot's top surface, is formed a longitudinal channeldesignated slot 7 a which provides additional options in selecting thetypes of hangers which may be inserted and slid along the slot. Thus,the channel or slot 7 a will allow the protrusion of the bolts andscrews above the general top of the slot.

Vertical leg 3 is designated as outer leg 3 and in its inner surface isformed longitudinal slot 8 and in its outer surface longitudinal slot 9.Both of these slots are adapted for carrying various supporting or inhanging items. The shapes of all of these slots may vary in size, anddimension and be proportioned to receive the popular hangers andfasteners of the type found in home supply and drapery shops.

Universal mounting track 1 is preferably one piece of extruded metal.The metal of choice is aluminum, particularly, anodized aluminum.Specifically, the preferred embodiment has an overall height of about 2¼inches and the width from the outside of the vertical leg 4 to theoutside of the second slot or outer slide on the leg 3 is about 3½inches. The dowel holder diameter is preferably about ⅝″ to {fraction(11/16)}″ inches and the opening or gap 5 b is about in the order ofabout ⅜″ to {fraction (7/16)} inches. The slot openings areapproximately ½″ to ⅝″ inches with a depth of about ⅛″ to {fraction(3/16)}″. The surface of the track is machined smooth without snags orspurs. The thickness of leg 4 is about {fraction (3/16)}″. Drilled holes10 and 11 are provided for screws to go into wall studs for securemounting. The holes are readily drilled to match the position of studsor other structural member into which the mounting screws are fastened.The preferred aluminum is readily cut in lengths that are suitable forinstallation so that a custom fit is available with tools which thetypical homeowner or handy man is familiar and has readily available.For installation on the full length of a wall, one end of the track ispreferably hinge mounted as described above so it will swing outwardlyto allow easy insertion and removal of the dowel from the dowel holder.

Referring back to FIG. 2 briefly, as mentioned above, leg 4 may be about{fraction (3/16)}″ in thickness but depending upon the materialsselected can be of thicker or thinner dimensions. Likewise, horizontalmember 6 may be as thick as ⅜″ and outer vertical leg 3 may be about ⅛″thickness. These dimensions may be varied but the important feature isto retain rigidity and stability which the preferred extrudable aluminumdoes with the foregoing dimensions.

Turning now to FIG. 3, universal track 1 is shown installed on wall 12.Preferably screw 17 extends into a wall stud or other structural member.Inner leg 4 is shown secured flat against the wall 12. At the other sideof the track 1, molded side 13 is shown in the outer mounting slot 9which is also designated as the third mounting slot. The molded slidemay be, for example, a molded slide according to any of parts 3908,3909, or 3909B from Kirsch Division of Newell Rubbermaid and areavailable from their suppliers such as United Supply Co. of Charlotte,N.C. (Other suppliers have acceptable mounting sliders of variousconfigurations available as is well known in the art.)) Mounting hook 14or drapery hook is suspended from the mounting clip 13 and is secured inthe upper gathered reinforced portion of the drapery 15 which can beappreciated from the front view in FIG. 4 which shows drape 16 in itsposition. This is one of the many uses of the universal mounting track.

In FIGS. 5 and 6 the suspension of a drape or sheer or other decorativeitem is illustrated. In FIG. 5 the horizontal mounted slide 18 is showndeposed in slot 7 and in this position it is carrying the drapery eyelethook 19 which suspends the drapery 21 that has the eyelets 20 formed init to receive the hook 19. (This slide can be 9406 or 9412 from thepreviously mentioned Kirsch Division as one example of a supplier.)Rather than a drape this may also be a sheer or opaque curtain as theindividual decorator may wish to choose for an installation. The slots 8and 9 are available for hanging additional decorative or functionalitems.

Looking now at FIGS. 7 and 8, the function of the dowel holder 4 usingdecorative material to cover the universal track will be appreciated.Dowel 23 is shown inserted in the dowel holder 5 with flexibledecorative material or coverlet 22 forming a loop 22 a around the dowel.The opening of the dowel holder 5 faces away from the connector and theouter leg. The lip 5 a holds and retains the coverlet 22 in its correctposition. As can be seen, the coverlet can be designed so that it has alength sufficient to cover the drapery hook 19 and eyelet 20 so thatthese cannot be seen. The arrangement as shown on the left hand side ofFIG. 8 is presented. The coverlet 22 is partially cut away in FIG. 8 toshow the hanger and hook arrangement. The unique versatility of myuniversal track and the decorating options it provides are readilyappreciated in this configuration.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show an alternate arrangement of the universal mountingtrack wherein it is secured with fastener 26 to the ceiling 25 or upperhorizontal surface. Here,fastener 13 traveling in second slot 8 orinside slot on the outer leg 3 is carrying the mounting hook 14 which ishooked into drape 16 at a gathered pleat. The frontal view is shown inFIG. 10. The front appearance of outer or third mounting slot 9 can beseen here and an additional feature of my invention is that a colorcoordinated insert can also be inserted in the slot to improve theappearance of the arrangement.

In FIGS. 11, 12, and 13, a weighted theater style curtain 27 is shownwherein the lower end of the curtain is held by weighted end loop 30 andthe other end of the curtain is secured by dowel holder 5 as it is heldwith dowel 23. Attached to the lower end of the curtain is ringlet 31 towhich the pull cord 28 is attached and it passes through guiding ringlet32 on its way to crossing over pulley 37 which is held within pulleyhousing 33 as shown in FIG. 13. The pulley housing is secured withinslot 7 and the adjusting or anchoring screw 35 locks the support washer34 as it is tightened down against the surface of channel 7 a. As can beseen in FIG. 12, the curtain has horizontal pleats or fold lines to forman accordion type pleated fold as it is pulled upwardly by a downwardpull on pull cord handle 29.

FIG. 14 shows valance 38 mounted with retaining washer 39, bolt 40 andlocking washer nut 41 disposed within the third hanger slot 9. Therigidity and stability of my universal mounting track permits themounting of a valance or other heavy decorative item. For example,member 30 a could be a piece of molding and the bolt and washer could berecessed or color-coded with the molding to provide still anotherattractive use of my mounting track.

FIG. 15 shows an installation of the track 1 on a ledge 42 and to securethe track 1 in place a retainer 43 held by screw 44 which is screwedinto wall 12 completes the mounting of this alternate use of myinvention. Included in this illustration in FIG. 15 is locking bolt 45and nut 47 combinations and locking bolt 46 and nut 48. These lockingbolts, nuts, and washers can be used to suspend additional items asrequired.

Looking now at FIG. 16, a cross-section of the track is shown carrying aroll-up shade 49 which roll upon roll bar 50 that is carried by shademount 51 secured by bolt 35 and locking washer 31. With the roll-upshade the other mounting tracks are available so a drapery materialcould be mounted from the dowel holder 5 and also drapes or sheers couldbe hung form inner and outer slots 8 and 9.

Another alternative mounting means for track 1 is shown in FIG. 17 wherea dowel shaped member 76 is held by retainer support 53 which is securedinto the wall 12 by screw 52. The dowel holder 5 is used in thisconfiguration as a support means. In this configuration, the cylindricalmember 76 is fastened to the wall and the track 1 slides into positionparallel to the wall so that it can be readily installed or removed bysimply sliding it to the right or left. A series of the cylindricaldowel mounts 76 may be provided for one single bar with mounting atdifferent intervals.

FIG. 18 shows screw 54 securing the universal track to wall 12 and theuse of an extender support bolt 55 is shown. The locking nut 57 is thesupport for the extended slidable member so that support slot 59 isprovided at a spaced apart distance from the third support slot 9. Thelocking nut 58 provides support for the extension. A plurality of thesebolts 55, locking nuts 57, and locking retaining washers 55 will beneeded down the length of the track.

In FIG. 19, the mounting track is inverted to provide a tray formounting a lighting fixture 60 within the tray. Cable 54 supplies theelectric power to the lighting fixture 60 which is supported by lightingtrack 61 so that its position may be changed as desired. The track 61 isheld by retaining nut 63 and securing bolt 62. A securing screw to holdthe leg 4 to wall 12 is not shown.

FIG. 20 shows the universal mounting track when mounted in a verticalposition from a ceiling or horizontal support surface. A retaining screwis not shown.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show venetian blinds 68 carried by the venetian blindfolding and support unit 66 which in turn is held by retaining washer 77and bolt 78 in slot 7. The outer slot 9 is filled with insert 67 whichis coordinated with the appearance of the blind 69. The blind supportwith draw string 79 carries the blinds. The front view of the blinds isshown in FIG. 22.

As can be appreciated from the many uses and mounting embodiments of myinvention, the one piece construction of aluminum or anodized aluminumoffers significant advantages due to its strength, rigidity anddurability. The anodized aluminum can provide the mounting track avariety of colors which can match basic wall or window frame colors orbe painted on the spot to so match. Metal extrusion is the preferredmethod of making the mounting track. In addition to using metals,thermoset plastics may be used and extruded or injection molded.

From the foregoing description it should be apparent that a unique andvery important aspect of my invention is that my universal track cancarry multiple hangings that are functionally suspended. That is, blindsmay be adjusted, sheers opened or closed, draperies lifted or lowered,with all being operably suspended from a single track.

Having read and understood the descriptions of my invention and its manyalternate possibilities, other uses and alternate designs may becomeapparent to those skilled in the art but it is understood that myinvention is limited only to the scope of the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A universal mounting track for decorative andfunctional hangings including draperies, tapestries, blinds, curtains,and sheers comprising: a) a rigid, elongated base member having agenerally U-shaped cross section including a horizontal connector andtwo spaced apart legs vertically depending from said connector, saidbase having an inner and outer surface, a portion of the upper surfaceof said connector being smooth and flat and extending longitudinally thelength of said track, said surface portion being the uppermost part ofsaid track; b) one leg being an inner leg and having a smooth, flatouter surface for contacting a support surface; c) an elongated dowelholder formed in the outer surface of said base and extending the lengthof said base, said dowel holder forming the joint between said inner legand said horizontal connector and having an elongated opening forreceiving a dowel therein, said opening facing generally away from thehorizontal connecting member and towards the inner leg side of saidtrack whereby when a dowel with fabric therearound is inserted into saidholder the fabric can extend out of and over the horizontal connector tocover said mounting track member while being retained by the holder;and, d) the other leg being an outer leg and having at least oneelongated slot formed in a surface for receiving and holding a pluralityof slidable mounting member therein wherein multiple decorative andfunctional hangings may be operably suspended by a single track; and e)said track being mountable on either a vertical surface by the inner legor a horizontal surface by the horizontal connector.
 2. The universalmounting track of claim 1 including an elongated mounting slot formed inthe inside surface of said horizontal connector.
 3. The universalmounting track of claim 2 wherein said outer legs has two elongatedmounting slots formed therein, one being in the outer surface of saidouter leg and the other being in the inner surface.
 4. The universalmounting track of claim 2 including a channel formed in a surface withinthe horizontal connector mounting slot.
 5. The universal mounting trackof claim 1 wherein the base is of one piece construction.
 6. Theuniversal mounting track of claim 5 wherein the base is a metalextrusion.
 7. The universal mounting track of claim 6 wherein the metalis aluminum.
 8. A universal mounting track for decorative and functionalhangings including draperies, tapestries, blinds, curtains, sheers, andshades comprising: a) an elongated, continuous, one piece, base framemember having a generally U-shaped cross-section, with two spaced apartvertical legs and a horizontal connector from which said legs extend; b)one leg being an inner leg and having a substantially smooth outersurface for contact with a support surface; c) a dowel holder forming ajoint between said inner leg and said horizontal connector, said dowelholder being generally cylindrical in shape extending longitudinally thelength of said track and having a longitudinal opening facing away fromthe horizontal connector for receiving and retaining a dowel; d) a firstlongitudinal slot formed in the inside surface of said horizontalconnector to slidably carry a plurality of mounting members therein;and, e) the other leg being an outer leg and having inner and outermounting slots formed in the respective inner and outer surfaces of saidleg, said slots being designated as the second and third slotsrespectively whereby when mounted said track provides a multiplicity ofchoices for mounting said decorative or functional hangings.
 9. Themounting track of claim 8 wherein the track is formed from extrudedaluminum.
 10. The mounting track of claim 9 wherein the aluminum isanodized aluminum.
 11. The mounting track of claim 8 wherein the trackis formed of an extruded plastic material.
 12. The mounting track ofclaim 8 including a vertical supporting wall surface and a mountingmember securing said track to said wall, said track being mounted withsaid horizontal connector as the uppermost part of said track.
 13. Themounting track of claim 8 including a vertical supporting surface and amounting member securing said leg to said surface, said track beingmounted with the horizontal member as the lowermost part of said track.14. The mounting track of claim 8 including a horizontal supportingsurface and a mounting member securing the horizontal member of thetrack to said horizontal surface.
 15. A universal mounting track fordecorative and functional hangings including draperies, tapestries,blinds, curtains, and sheers comprising: a) a flat supporting surface;b) an elongated base frame having a generally U-shaped cross-sectionwith two generally parallel spaced apart legs and a horizontalconnector, said legs being spaced apart and depending downwardly fromsaid connector; c) one leg being an inner leg and having a substantiallysmooth surface for contacting the supporting surface; d) a dowel holderforming a joint between said inner leg and said horizontal connector; e)a mounting member for securing said inner leg to said supportingsurface; f) said horizontal connector having an inner, downwardly facingsurface with a longitudinally extending slot formed therein designatedas the first slot, said slot being generally rectangular incross-section; g) a channel formed in said first slot, said channelextending co-extensively with said first slot; h) the other leg being aninner leg and having a second longitudinal mounting slot formed in itsinner surface and a third longitudinal mounting slot formed in its outersurface whereby said track provides a multiplicity of options fordecorative and functional hangings.
 16. The universal mounting track ofclaim 15 including; i) a coverlet of decorative flexible material; ii) adowel receiving loop formed in one end of said coverlet; iii) a dowelinserted within said loop; iv) said dowel within said legs beingdisposed within said dowel holder with the coverlet being extended fromthe dowel holder, across the upper surface of the connector and down andbelow said outer leg to provide decoration covering for said mountingtrack.
 17. The universal mounting track of claim 15 including: i) aplurality of slidably mounting clips disposed in said first mountingslot, each clip being provided with a mounting hook; and, ii) adecorative material suspended by said hooks.
 18. The universal mountingtrack of claim 15 including: i) a plurality of slidable mounting clipsdisposed in said third mounting slot, each clip being provided with amounting hook; and, ii) a decorative material suspended by said hooks.19. The universal mounting track of claim 15 wherein the supportingsurface is vertical.
 20. The universal mounting track of claim 15 wherethe supporting surface is horizontal.
 21. The universal mounting trackof claim 15 wherein said track is mounted with said legs extendingupwardly wherein said U-shaped base functions as tray.
 22. The universalmounting track of claim 21 wherein the upper surface of said connectorcontacts the supporting surface and is secured thereto by said mountingmember.
 23. The universal mounting track of claim 15 wherein saidmounting surface has a ledge and including a retainer co-operating withsaid dowel to retain said inner leg when positioned on said ledge.